Manila Sunset in West Covina stands out as a vibrant culinary destination that brings the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine to the heart of California. Known for its authentic dishes and welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike seeking a genuine taste of the Philippines.
The menu at Manila Sunset is thoughtfully curated, combining traditional recipes with modern twists that cater to all palates.
Whether you are craving the hearty and savory dishes that define Filipino comfort food or looking to explore new flavors, Manila Sunset offers a menu that delivers both quality and variety. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients and bold seasonings ensures that each dish tells a story of heritage and culture.
From iconic staples like adobo and pancit to unique regional specialties, the menu invites guests to embark on a culinary journey without leaving West Covina.
Beyond just food, Manila Sunset provides an experience that celebrates Filipino hospitality and community. The menu reflects this by not only offering meals but also encouraging sharing and connection around the table.
This approach makes Manila Sunset more than a restaurant — it is a place where food and culture blend seamlessly to create memorable dining moments.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer selection at Manila Sunset West Covina is designed to whet your appetite with bold flavors and familiar favorites. These small plates are perfect for sharing and offer a great introduction to the variety of tastes found in Filipino cuisine.
Start your meal with classic choices like Lumpia Shanghai, which are crispy spring rolls filled with savory pork and vegetables. These are lightly fried to golden perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Another popular appetizer is Ukoy, shrimp and vegetable fritters that are both flavorful and crispy.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the Chicharron Bulaklak is a must-try. This dish features fried pork intestines, seasoned and cooked until crispy, delivering a unique texture and taste that is beloved in Filipino street food culture.
Manila Sunset also offers Kinilaw, a Filipino-style ceviche made with fresh fish marinated in vinegar and citrus, providing a refreshing and tangy option to start your meal.
- Lumpia Shanghai: Pork and vegetable spring rolls, crispy fried
- Ukoy: Shrimp and vegetable fritters with a crunchy exterior
- Chicharron Bulaklak: Crispy fried pork intestines seasoned with spices
- Kinilaw: Fresh fish ceviche marinated in vinegar and citrus
“The appetizers at Manila Sunset perfectly capture the essence of Filipino street food—bold, vibrant, and made to be shared.”
Main Courses
The main course offerings at Manila Sunset are a celebration of the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage. Each dish is prepared with care, combining traditional methods and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Among the most beloved dishes is Chicken Adobo, often considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. This stew features chicken slowly cooked in a tangy mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves, resulting in a tender and flavorful entree.
Another staple is Pork Sinigang, a sour tamarind-based soup loaded with pork and vegetables, known for its comforting and hearty qualities.
For noodle lovers, Pancit Canton is a must-try. This stir-fried noodle dish combines a medley of meats, shrimp, and vegetables, seasoned with soy sauce and citrus to create a savory and satisfying meal.
Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the Bistek Tagalog, Filipino-style beef steak marinated in soy sauce and kalamansi, garnished with caramelized onions.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Chicken Adobo | Chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic | Savory, tangy, slightly sweet |
| Pork Sinigang | Pork, tamarind broth, vegetables | Sour, savory, hearty |
| Pancit Canton | Egg noodles, pork, shrimp, vegetables | Savory, slightly salty, citrusy |
| Bistek Tagalog | Beef, soy sauce, kalamansi, onions | Umami-rich, tangy, sweet onions |
These main courses exemplify Manila Sunset’s dedication to authentic flavors while catering to a diverse clientele who appreciate both traditional and modern Filipino dishes.
Seafood Specialties
Seafood plays a central role in Filipino cuisine, and Manila Sunset’s menu showcases this with a variety of fresh and expertly prepared dishes. The coastal influences bring a wealth of flavors from the ocean, highlighting the freshness and natural taste of the ingredients.
One standout dish is Grilled Bangus, or milkfish, which is marinated and char-grilled to bring out a smoky flavor balanced by the fish’s natural richness. This dish is often served with a side of vinegar dipping sauce, enhancing its taste with a tangy kick.
The Halabos na Hipon offers a simpler yet equally satisfying experience, featuring shrimp boiled in saltwater and garlic, preserving the shrimp’s sweet and delicate flavor.
Seafood Kare-Kare is a decadent peanut sauce stew made with oxtail and shrimp, often accompanied by sautéed bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) to add depth and umami. Another favorite is Calamares, crispy fried squid rings served with a zesty dipping sauce, perfect as both an appetizer or a light main dish.
- Grilled Bangus: Marinated milkfish grilled to perfection
- Halabos na Hipon: Shrimp boiled with garlic and salt
- Seafood Kare-Kare: Peanut sauce stew with shrimp and oxtail
- Calamares: Crispy fried squid rings with dipping sauce
“The seafood dishes at Manila Sunset capture the essence of Filipino coastal cooking — fresh, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Recognizing the growing demand for plant-based dishes, Manila Sunset West Covina offers a thoughtfully crafted selection of vegetarian and vegan options. These dishes maintain the bold flavors typical of Filipino cuisine while catering to dietary preferences that avoid meat and animal products.
One popular vegan choice is Laing, made with dried taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and spices, delivering a creamy texture with a hint of heat. The Gising Gising is another standout, featuring green beans in a spicy coconut sauce that is both rich and invigorating.
For those seeking a heartier meal, the Vegetable Pancit offers a satisfying noodle dish loaded with fresh vegetables and seasoned with classic Filipino spices. The Ensaladang Talong, or grilled eggplant salad, is a refreshing side that pairs well with any main dish and highlights the fresh ingredients used throughout the menu.
- Laing: Taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and spices
- Gising Gising: Spicy green beans in coconut sauce
- Vegetable Pancit: Stir-fried noodles with assorted vegetables
- Ensaladang Talong: Grilled eggplant salad with tomatoes and onions
These options demonstrate Manila Sunset’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the rich tastes of Filipino cuisine without compromising their dietary choices.
Signature Desserts
Filipino desserts are known for their unique combinations of textures and flavors, often featuring tropical ingredients and traditional sweets. Manila Sunset’s dessert menu offers a delightful conclusion to any meal, with options that satisfy a variety of sweet cravings.
The Leche Flan is a classic Filipino custard dessert, smooth and rich, topped with a layer of caramelized sugar that adds a subtle bitterness to balance the sweetness. Another beloved treat is Halo-Halo, a refreshing shaved ice dessert loaded with sweet beans, fruits, jellies, and topped with purple yam and leche flan.
This colorful dessert is perfect for warm weather and offers a playful textural experience.
Bibingka is a traditional rice cake baked with coconut milk and often topped with salted egg or cheese, providing a pleasant combination of sweet and savory elements. Additionally, Turon, fried banana rolls wrapped in spring roll wrappers and caramelized with brown sugar, deliver a crispy, sweet finish to your meal.
- Leche Flan: Creamy caramel custard dessert
- Halo-Halo: Mixed shaved ice with fruits and sweets
- Bibingka: Coconut rice cake with savory toppings
- Turon: Fried banana rolls with caramelized sugar
“Manila Sunset’s desserts perfectly balance tradition with indulgence — each bite is a celebration of Filipino sweetness.”
Beverages and Refreshments
Beverages at Manila Sunset complement the flavors of the dishes, offering both traditional Filipino drinks and popular contemporary options. These drinks are crafted to enhance the dining experience and provide refreshing relief from the often bold and savory meal components.
The Calamansi Juice is a standout, made from a Filipino lime known for its sharp, citrusy flavor that is both tangy and slightly sweet. This juice is refreshing and a perfect palate cleanser.
Another traditional drink is Sago’t Gulaman, a sweet beverage with tapioca pearls and jelly cubes served over ice, offering a unique texture and flavor.
For those looking for something warm, Salabat is a ginger tea known for its soothing properties and subtle spice. Manila Sunset also serves popular soft drinks and iced tea to accompany your meal.
| Beverage | Main Ingredients | Taste Profile |
| Calamansi Juice | Calamansi lime, sugar, water | Tart, sweet, refreshing |
| Sago’t Gulaman | Tapioca pearls, jelly, brown sugar syrup | Sweet, textured, cool |
| Salabat | Ginger, honey, water | Spicy, warm, soothing |
These beverage choices reflect the diversity and richness of Filipino drink traditions, designed to pair seamlessly with the robust flavors found throughout the menu.
Family and Group Meals
Manila Sunset West Covina understands the importance of dining as a communal experience, especially in Filipino culture where meals are often shared among family and friends. To accommodate larger groups, the restaurant offers family-style meal options that encourage sharing and conversation.
These group meals typically include a variety of dishes arranged to provide a balanced sampling of flavors and textures. Staples like Lechon Kawali (crispy pork belly), Pinakbet (vegetable stew), and Grilled Liempo (pork belly) are commonly included.
This approach allows diners to experience multiple facets of Filipino cuisine in one sitting.
Ordering family meals is also a practical choice, as it often provides better value and reduces the stress of selecting individual dishes. Many groups appreciate the flexibility and variety, which cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Lechon Kawali: Deep-fried crispy pork belly
- Pinakbet: Mixed vegetable stew with shrimp paste
- Grilled Liempo: Marinated pork belly grilled over charcoal
- Rice and sides: Steamed rice, atchara (pickled papaya), and dipping sauces
“Sharing a meal at Manila Sunset is more than eating; it’s about building connections through the love of food.”
Takeout and Catering Services
For those who want to enjoy Manila Sunset’s authentic Filipino flavors at home or at special events, the restaurant provides convenient takeout and catering options. These services are designed to maintain the quality and freshness that customers expect from their dine-in experience.
Takeout orders can be customized to include any favorite dishes from the menu, perfect for a quick meal or family gathering. The packaging is thoughtfully designed to keep food warm and fresh, ensuring that the flavors remain intact during transport.
Catering services are ideal for celebrations, office events, or large parties. Manila Sunset offers various platter options that can be tailored to fit the event size and guest preferences.
From traditional Filipino feasts to modern fusion spreads, catering allows guests to bring a taste of the Philippines wherever they go.
| Service | Features | Ideal For |
| Takeout | Customizable menu, fresh packaging | Quick meals, family dinners |
| Catering | Platter options, event customization | Parties, corporate events, celebrations |
These options make it easy to enjoy Manila Sunset’s delicious offerings in any setting, extending the restaurant’s reach beyond its physical location in West Covina.
Conclusion
Manila Sunset West Covina’s menu is a vibrant showcase of Filipino culinary traditions, expertly crafted to appeal to a broad audience while maintaining authenticity. From appetizers bursting with flavor to hearty main courses, fresh seafood, and indulgent desserts, the offerings provide a comprehensive exploration of the Philippines’ diverse food culture.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and inclusive options ensures that every guest finds something to enjoy, whether dining alone, with family, or in large groups.
The addition of vegetarian choices and robust beverage selections further enhances the dining experience, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Moreover, Manila Sunset’s focus on community and sharing is evident not just in its food but in its service, offering takeout and catering solutions that bring Filipino flavors into homes and celebrations.
This holistic approach to dining makes Manila Sunset more than just a place to eat — it is a cultural hub that fosters connection through food, tradition, and hospitality.
For those seeking an authentic taste of the Philippines in West Covina, Manila Sunset’s menu promises a memorable journey full of bold flavors, rich textures, and heartwarming dishes that invite you to savor every bite.
